How to Sign "Take"
The sign 'take' uses both hands. Stick both hands out in front of you, as if you are reaching for something. With both hands facing downwards, slowly close the hands into fists as you bring the hands back in towards you.
Examples Using "Take" in a Sentence
1
Please take these folders.
Sign 'please', then perform the sign for 'take' by reaching both open hands out with palms facing down, and pulling them back into fists toward your body.
2
I will take the boxes inside.
Point to yourself for 'I', then use both hands to reach out, grab, and pull back into fists to sign 'take', before signing 'box' and 'inside'.
3
Take your jacket with you.
Sign 'jacket', then reach both hands out in front of you and smoothly pull them back into closed fists to sign 'take'.
How to Sign "Take"
The sign 'take' uses both hands. Stick both hands out in front of you, as if you are reaching for something. With both hands facing downwards, slowly close the hands into fists as you bring the hands back in towards you.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the action it describes. The movement directly mimics the physical act of reaching out for an object, grasping it with both hands, and bringing it closer to your body.
Signing Tips
Focus on the fluidity of the motion. Start with your hands open and relaxed as you reach out. As you pull your hands back toward your chest, smoothly transition them into tight fists. Imagine you are physically grabbing a medium-sized box from a shelf and pulling it close to your chest. Keeping your palms facing downward throughout the movement ensures the sign is clear and accurate.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is keeping their hands open the entire time instead of closing them into fists. If you do not close your hands, the sign loses its meaning of 'grabbing' or 'taking'. Another common error is pulling the hands upward or downward rather than straight back toward the body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Take" in a Sentence
1Please take these folders.
Sign 'please', then perform the sign for 'take' by reaching both open hands out with palms facing down, and pulling them back into fists toward your body.
2I will take the boxes inside.
Point to yourself for 'I', then use both hands to reach out, grab, and pull back into fists to sign 'take', before signing 'box' and 'inside'.
3Take your jacket with you.
Sign 'jacket', then reach both hands out in front of you and smoothly pull them back into closed fists to sign 'take'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for 'taking a test' or 'taking a class'?
No, this specific sign is used for physically taking an object. Abstract concepts like taking a class, taking a test, or taking a shower use completely different signs in ASL that fit their specific meanings.
Do I always have to use two hands?
The two-handed version described here is the standard sign for general taking or grabbing larger items. However, in fluent ASL, you might see someone use just one hand if they are talking about taking a small, easily held object.
Does the speed of the motion change the meaning?
Yes! If you perform the reaching and pulling motion quickly and sharply, it conveys snatching or grabbing something urgently. A slower, smoother motion implies a casual or gentle taking.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!